The Cabin Creek Aquatic Organism Passage Project restored fish passage by replacing an undersized road culvert with a stream simulation culvert that allows native Colorado River cutthroat trout, amphibians, and other aquatic species to move freely upstream and downstream. By reconnecting habitat and restoring natural stream function, the project improves ecosystem health and supports the long-term resilience of Cabin Creek.
The Cabin Creek Aquatic Organism Passage Project restored connectivity along Cabin Creek by replacing an outdated culvert that prevented fish and other aquatic organisms from moving upstream. Like many culverts installed throughout the 1900s, the original crossing was designed to move water beneath the road with little consideration for aquatic habitat. Over time, the culvert became a barrier to fish passage, limiting access to important spawning, rearing, and feeding habitat.
The project replaced the existing culvert with an Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) culvert designed to simulate the natural stream channel. This design allows native Colorado River cutthroat trout, amphibians, and other aquatic species to move freely beneath Forest Service Road 128 while maintaining the stream's natural function.
By restoring stream connectivity, the project expands available habitat, improves ecosystem health, and increases the resilience of native aquatic populations. The project also demonstrates how modern road crossings can balance transportation infrastructure with healthy stream ecosystems.
>>> Click here to watch a YouTube video about the project.
The Cabin Creek Aquatic Organism Passage Project was identified by Learning By Doing's Technical Committee in 2020 as a priority project to improve stream connectivity and aquatic habitat. Later that year, the Management Committee approved the project, the U.S. Forest Service completed the design and engineering, and Trout Unlimited secured funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Construction was completed through a collaborative partnership, with Denver Water providing labor and equipment and Grand County supplying construction materials. The project stands as another successful example of Learning By Doing partners working together to restore healthy rivers and improve habitat for native aquatic species.